Author name: Shabbu IAS

India’s Eyes Breakthrough Against Sickle Cell. What is Sickle Cell ? Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder that affects hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. This disorder is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, meaning that a person must inherit two copies of the mutated gene (one from each parent) to have the disease. How is it inherited? Sickle cell disease (SCD) is passed down through families in a way that requires two copies of the mutated gene, one from each parent, for the disease to develop. Here’s a detailed look at how this happens: The Genetic Foundation: 1. Mutation in Hemoglobin Gene: SCD is caused by a change in the gene that makes hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body. Normally, hemoglobin is made up of two alpha-globin and two beta-globin chains. The mutation in SCD affects the beta-globin chain of hemoglobin. 2. Different Types of Hemoglobin**: The most common type of SCD is due to a specific mutation where the amino acid glutamic acid is swapped for valine at the sixth position of the beta-globin chain, leading to the formation of hemoglobin S (HbS). This abnormal hemoglobin causes red blood cells to become stiff and adopt a sickle shape under certain conditions. How It’s Passed Down: 1. Autosomal Recessive: Sickle cell disease follows an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance, meaning a person needs to get two copies of the mutated gene (one from each parent) to have the disease. 2. Different Genotypes: -Homozygous HbS (SS): A person with two copies of the HbS mutation (one from each parent) has sickle cell anemia (SS genotype). This is the most severe form of SCD. Heterozygous HbS (AS): A person with one copy of the HbS mutation and one normal beta-globin gene (from the other parent) is a carrier of the sickle cell trait (AS genotype). Carriers usually don’t show symptoms of SCD but can pass the gene on to their children. Other Forms: Besides HbS, other types of hemoglobin can mix with HbS to create various forms of SCD, such as HbSC disease (inheriting HbS from one parent and HbC from the other) or combinations with other abnormal hemoglobin variants. 3. Risk Factors – When both parents are carriers (AS genotype), each child has a: – 25% chance of getting two normal hemoglobin genes (AA, unaffected), – 50% chance of getting one normal gene and one sickle cell gene (AS, carrier like the parents), – 25% chance of getting two sickle cell genes (SS, affected with sickle cell disease).  Genetic Counseling and Testing: Genetic Counseling: People with a family history of sickle cell disease or those at risk of being carriers of the sickle cell trait can benefit from genetic counseling. This service helps individuals understand their risk of passing on the gene and what it means for their children’s health. Prenatal Testing: Prenatal testing can be done to check if a fetus has inherited the sickle cell gene mutations. This information helps families make informed choices about their pregnancy and prepare for the potential medical needs of the baby. Understanding how sickle cell disease is inherited is key for individuals and families dealing with the condition to make educated decisions about their health and family planning.   More Content

India’s Journey Towards Electric Vehicle. The Debate over electric vehicle in India is a complex ,because of involving costs,emissions and policy. Although electric vehicle is considered as a zero emission vehicle ,Expert pointed out that 75% of electricity in India comes from coal, lifecycle of electric vehicle may be actually higher than internal combustion  engine (ICE). Looking forward, the outlook for electric vehicles in India seems hopeful, as there’s a rising trend in their use among motorcycles and scooters, continuous advancements in battery technology, and the government’s effort towards promoting greener modes of transport. What Are Electric Vehicle ? Electric cars are a kind of vehicle that employ one or more electric motors for moving, rather than a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) that combusts gasoline or diesel. Although the idea of electric cars has existed for many years, it has gained significant attention in recent years due to an increasing carbon footprint and the various environmental effects of vehicles powered by fossil fuels. Classification Of Electric Vehicle. 1.Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) It exclusively utilize battery power for propulsion, resulting in zero tailpipe emissions. 2. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) integrate both an electric motor and a gasoline engine. These vehicles can be charged externally and have the capability to run on battery power for a limited distance before switching to the gasoline engine for longer trips. 3.HEVs, or Hybrid Electric Vehicles, Uses both an  motor and a gasoline engine. However, the battery is unable to be directly charged through plugging in. Instead, it can be charged either through the use of the gasoline engine or by utilizing regenerative braking techniques. Advantages of electric Vehicle. Electric vehicles offer numerous advantages including the reduction of emissions, resulting in cleaner air and improved public health, lower operating costs due to cheaper electricity compared to gasoline, quieter operation thanks to the decreased noise from electric motors, and improved efficiency as electric motors convert energy into usable power more effectively than gasoline engines. Challenges Associated with Electric Vehicles? Exploring the hurdles faced in the widespread adoption of electric vehicles in India reveals a tapestry of challenges. From the steep price tag of EVs compared to their traditional counterparts to the scarcity of charging stations outside major cities, the journey towards a greener future is not without its obstacles. The lack of a robust local battery manufacturing ecosystem, coupled with the grid’s heavy reliance on coal-fired power plants, adds a layer of complexity to the environmental impact of EVs. Moreover, the skill gap in EV maintenance and concerns about adaptation to India’s extreme climate conditions further highlight the need for a holistic approach to embracing electric mobility. As we navigate through these challenges, the concept of range anxiety looms large, reminding us of the uncertainties that come with transitioning to a new mode of transportation. Despite these roadblocks, the promise of a cleaner and sustainable future drives us forward, urging us to find innovative solutions and pave the way for a greener tomorrow. India’s Policy Towards Electric Vehicle India’s electric vehicle policies have evolved over the years, with initiatives such as the Rs 95-crore incentive scheme in 2010 and the launch of the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan in 2013. Despite some setbacks, including the scaling down of the 100% electric cars target in 2017, the government has continued to support EV adoption, as seen in the approval of the Rs 10,000-crore FAME-II scheme in 2019 and the recent decision to reduce GST rates on EVs and chargers in 2023. The proposed New Electric Vehicle Policy in 2024 reflects the ongoing efforts to boost the electric vehicle market in India. read more  

R21/Matrix-M Malaria Vaccine The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a second new vaccine, R21/Matrix-M, for the prevention of malaria. Among children. ➢ The first vaccine was the RTS, S/AS01 vaccine, which received a WHO recommendation in 2021. About R21/Matrix-M What is this? First malaria vaccine to reach WHO’s 75% efficacy target. Developed by: University of Oxford, Serum Institute of India, European and developing countries Clinical trials Partnership (‘EDCTP’), the Wellcome Trust and the European Investment Bank (‘EIB’) features • The R21/Matrix-M vaccine has been approved for use in some countries like Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Nigeria. Extra Mile: Malaria About • It is a mosquito-borne blood disease caused by Plasmodium protozoa. • The parasite is spread by the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. • In the human body, the parasites initially multiply in the liver cells and then attack the red blood. cells (RBC). Symptoms • Fever and flu-like illness, including chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. fact Related to Malaria • According to the latest  Report there are 247 million cases of malaria in 2021 as compared to 245 million cases in 2020. • More than 45 thousand cases of malaria were reported in India in 2022. • About 80 percent of all malaria deaths occur in children under five years of age WHO African Region. • Four Countries in Africa Like (Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the United Republic of Tanzania and Niger) are responsible for more than half of all malaria deaths worldwide. • Gene drive is a type of genetic engineering technology that modifies genes so that they Do not follow specific rules of heredity. This technique can be an effective way Eradicate nuisance species such as mosquitoes that spread malaria. Initiatives   WHO Initiatives o E-2025 Initiative – 25 countries have been identified to eliminate malaria by 2025  o High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) – launched in 11 high malaria burden countries, To reinvigorate the pace of progress in the global malaria fight, including in India. o WHO’s Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016-2030 aims to reduce the incidence of malaria Incidence and mortality rates will be at least 40% by 2020, at least 75% by 2025, and at least 90% by 2030 compared to the 2015 baseline. Indian Initiative The National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination for 5 Years was launched in 2017 The Government of India has set a target to eliminate malaria in India by 2027.    Malaria Elimination Research Alliance-India (MERA-India) was established by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) o India gifts one lakh anti-malaria tablets of hydroxychloroquine and 50,000 surgical tablets Gloves for Bangladesh. o Real-time data monitoring through an integrated health information platform (HIPMalaria Portal).   Read more